U.S. Geological Survey, MS 204, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Va 20192

Z -- GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SOL 98HQQQ0259 DUE 042498 POC Maggie Weber, Contracting Officer, 703/648-7392, FAX 703/648-7901 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE -- The US Geological Survey has a requirement for grounds maintenance at the Florida Caribbean Science Center, 7920 NW 71 Street, Gainesville, Florida 32653-3071. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation (98HQQQ0259) is issued as a request for quotation. This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-4. The applicable Standard Classification Code is 0782, "GROUNDS MAINTENANCE". The applicable Small Business Size Standard is receipts from the preceding three (3) years that do not exceed $5 million per year. This award will be 100% set-aside for Small Business. The total award for the five year service shall not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision and materials necessary to provide the grounds maintenance services in accordance with the requirements specified herein. The services to be provided include mowing around fish ponds and behind Center buildings; weedeating around trees, buildings, fences, towers, docks, water control structures, and obstructions; edging along sidewalks, curbs, driveways, and parking areas; removal of debris (from the site area) such as limbs, pine cones, leaves, litter, and other materials like excess grass clippings from turf areas; cleanup (sweep or use of blower) of all curbs, sidewalks, parking areas, and docks of grass clippings and debris; and inspection of lawn and shrubs for any pest problems and report any such damage to the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) with recommendations and/or solutions. This solicitation is for one (1) year with four (4) one-year options for a total of 60 months. Thenumber of visits are not to exceed fourteen (14) during any single contract period. These visits will be on an as needed basis determined by the COTR. The season typically extends from March 1 through November 30. The provision of FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial, applies to this acquisition. Prospective offerors will submit their quotations on letterhead stationery, in accordance with FAR 52.212-1 (b) (1-11). FAR Clause 52.212-2 Evaluation- Commercial Items will apply to this acquisition. The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers: past performance, price. Past performance and price are considered to be equal as evaluation factors. The clause at FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, applies to this solicitation and resultant contract. The clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement. Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items, applies to this solicitation. Specifically, the following cited clauses are applicable to this solicitation: FAR 52.217-5, Evaluation of Options; 52.217-9 Option to extend the term of the Contract; 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity; 52.222-35, Affirmative action for Special Disabled and Vietnam Era Veterans; 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Handicapped workers; 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans on the Vietnam Era; 52.222-41, Service Contract Act of 1965, As amended; 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires, in compliance with the Service Contract Act of 1965, as amended and the regulations of the Secretary of Labor, this clauses identifies the classes of service employees expected to be employed under the contract and states the wages and fringe benefits payable to each if they were employed by the contracting agency subject to the provisions of 5 USC 5341 or 5332. The clause at FAR 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside applies to this solicitation. Wage Determination: Pursuant to the Service Contract Act of 1965, As amended, Wage Determination No. 94-2113, Revision 9, Dated 97 September 1, 1997 will apply to the solicitation/contract contemplated hereby. The following additional clauses will apply to this solicitation and any resultant contract: FAR 52.245-2 Government Property (Fixed Price Contracts), Alternate I, 52.237-1 Site Visit, 52.237-2 Protection of Government Buildings, Equipment, and Vegetation, 52.232-33 Mandatory Information for Electronic Funds Transfer Payment, 52.232-18 Availability of Funds, 52.245-1 Property Records. Offerors must include with their offer a completed copy of the provisions at FAR 52.212-3, Offerors Representation and Certification-Commercial Items. The clause at FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, applies to this solicitation. Award will be based on the lowest priced quotation from a responsible contractor in accordance with FAR 9.104-1. A Site visit will be conducted from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. on April 20, 1998 at the Florida Caribbean Science Center, 7920 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, Florida 32653. Prospective bidders should go to the front desk and ask for Mr. Bill Stranghoener. Quotes are required no later than COB April 24, 1998. Award will be made on or about April 29, 1998 with commencement of work beginning on May 1, 1998. Only written quotes will be accepted. FAX quotes to (703) 648-7901, Attn: Maggie Weber. State name, address, telephone and fax number and RFQ number. All responsible sources may submit an offer, which, if timely received will be considered by this agency. See Notes 1 & 26 (0106)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0133 19980421\Z-0001.SOL)